Syster shines on Miami Mountain

Jockey Jeff Syster wasn't yet born when the legendary Piere Strydom won the 1990 Joseph Dorfmann Memorial Sprint on Tudor Rullah - described as one the best rides of his career. But young Jeff will happily look at the replay of that race and notice similarities in the way he won Saturday's Grade 2 TAB National Currency Sprint on Miami Mountain (12-1), for Hollywood Racing.

Before you comment - of course we're not comparing Jeff to Striker - merely pointing out two very similar sprints run in different eras, both won on the inside of the track, racing off a blistering pace, both were stone last after 100m, perhaps 15 lengths out of their ground at the 400m-mark, six off with 150m to run, and still won! (Scroll down for replays and compare the races, for your own assessments).

Kudos to Jeff, who had spoken to stable jockey Callan Murray about the horse's nature and tactics, had ridden Miami Mountain in work and just kept his cool throughout to be rewarded with his first Grade 3 win.

"He needs further, we know that, but the heavy going was in his favour. He is a big-striding horse. I just left him alone to find his feet," said the modest Syster, adding that he was grateful for the opportunity. "I have been working hard. I was in the right place at the right time, and they needed a jockey with a light weight." He also thanked work rider Chamu Mabaya for his work and input with Miami Mountain.

Assistant trainer David Lhamine said that the stable had been looking for the right race for Miami Mountain for a while. "Jeff rode a very patient race, credit to him. He had blinkers on, but we knew it wouldn't be easy from the inside draw. Well done to Hollywood and our sponsors, Lucky Fish."

Miami Mountain beat the favourite Wild Justice by 0,80 lengths in a time of 64,09 secs for the 1100m. Bred by Ridgemont, the winner is a son of five-time Gr1 winning stallion Canford Cliffs (Tagula) out of the 2018 Gr1 Allan Robertson Championship winner Miss Florida.

Now a winner of 4 races with a place from his 7 starts, Miami Mountain took his stakes earned to R394 013. He certainly has lots of potential and could stay on over further, given his relaxed racing style and his turn of foot.

MIAMI MOUNTAIN: NATIONAL CURRENCY SPRINT, 2026

TUDOR RULLAH: JOSEPH DORFMANN MEMORIAL, 1990